Evaluation of Anti-Depressant Activity of Garcinia cambogia Fruit Using Animal Models

Background: Garcinia cambogia fruit popularly specified as (Guttiferae) Clusiaceae has been used for variety of diseases. Depression is mental disorder which affects person day to day activities. Objectives: The main aim of this study is needed to assess the antidepressant activity of chloroform extract of Garcinia cambogia fruit using forced swim test in mice. Materials and Methods: Group I received control. Group 2 received standard drug Fluoxetine 20 mg/kg body weight. Group 3 and 4 received in doses 200 mg/kg and 400 mg /kg body weight of Garcinia cambogia fruit chloroform extract (P.O.) orally respectively. 60 min after the final dose of standard drug immobility period was recorded. Floating in water without swimming (immobility period) was recorded using a stopwatch. Results and Discussion: Garcinia cambogia chloroform extract at a concentration of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg showed reduction in immobility period. In concentration of 400 mg/kg was found to exhibit significant antidepressant activity. Immobility period in seconds for 400 mg was found to be 187.8±1.7 when compared with control of 217±0.61. Conclusion: Reduction in immobility period is considered to have antidepressant effect on animal models. Therefore, chloroform extract of Garcinia cambogia indicates antidepressant potential. The outcome of the current study specify the Garcinia cambogia chloroform fruit extract contains xanthone as one phytochemical constituent which may be responsible to be functioning to show anti-depressant activity.